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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - The growth and development of children with disabilities who are lucky enough to have the opportunity to participate in equine assisted therapy is clearly visible, says Natalie Mentoor, centre manager of the Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Optima Day Care Centre in Pacaltsdorp.
"Suddenly they are more confident, relaxed and easier to work with."
"Three times a week there is an air of excitement at the APD as the children realise that today is their day for going to Rainbow Riders for equine assisted therapy.
"We have seen the growth and development of the children due to the stimulation of being with an animal as big and gentle as a horse," Mentoor says.
Equine therapy for children and adults with special needs is an animal-assisted therapy that helps with a wide variety of disabilities.
Riding horses as part of therapy effectively provides physical and emotional therapy.
It also has psychological benefits for child and adolescent patients suffering from various disorders as well as behavioural problems.
On hearing that the centre needs assistance, Mrs South Africa 2017 finalist Géla le Roux and award-winning investigative journalist Chantal Rutter Dros (now living in George) visited Rainbow Riders earlier this month.
Le Roux said the experience tugged at her heartstrings.
Watch a video below.
André Lewarne leads the horse so that little Jamie-Lee, tucked in the arms of Géla le Roux, can gain confidence.
Owner André Lewarne and her group of volunteers interacted with the children at their own pace to stimulate their senses, playing simple games like dropping balls into a drum and securing clothes pegs on the horses' manes, which improves their fine motor skills.
Le Roux has adopted the project as one of her charities and will act as its ambassador.
"I appeal to the public to come forward and support this worthy cause. For some, this is their only outing and it brings joy and therapy to all. My idea is for sponsors to adopt a therapy horse and contribute to the monthly costs."
Lewarne said that horse riding serves as a training activity for the children as their bodies move in sync with the animal in the right way.
The rocking motion of the horse develops the muscles as well as coordination to effectively help the children to walk and stand better.
Carlo Adonis is comfortable in the capable arms of André Lewarne, as he sets his sights to throw a ball into a bucket. This improves hand- eye coordination.
"I manage to cover the cost of the horses, but the business must grow so that it can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate."
Rainbow Riders is a registered non-profit organisation and desperately needs sponsorship to enable more children to benefit from the therapy.
For more information on Rainbow Riders and how to adopt a therapy horse, contact Géla le Roux on gela@hearingdirect.co.za or 073 885 4611.
If you would like to see Le Roux as our next Mrs South Africa, SMS: #SABC3 GELA LE ROUX to 35959.
ARTICLE & PHOTOS: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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